If he doesn’t have a heart transplant, he will likely die of congestive heart failure within six months.

The 58-year-old artist is best known for his intimate perspectives on Gullah culture. Fireall’s colorful compositions have been featured in the movie “Nights in Rodanthe,” starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, and collected by countless fans over the past three decades. His original paintings are featured at Friedman’s Fine Art in Savannah and at Red Piano Too on St. Helena Island, S.C.

“I’ve always considered my art to be a gift I need to share with other people,” he said. “I have a lot more paintings to do. I haven’t finished my work yet.”

Fireall knows the culture he celebrates in his vivid paintings first-hand. This gifted artist was raised by his maternal grandparents, who spoke Gullah and descended from slaves who once worked plantations along the South Carolina coast. Although he frowned upon Gullah as a child “because it wasn’t proper English,” he grew to love the language and the culture that defines his family.

This upbeat artist says he’s grateful for the encouragement he has received from art collectors from across the country.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have supported my art over the years,” he added. “I still have more paintings in me.”

Failing health

Fireall’s health troubles began in 2006, when his vision began changing inexplicably, dimming and blurring at random moments. He went to the doctor and found out he was diabetic.

He cut back on favorite treats, like Oreo cookies and soda, but it wasn’t enough.

“I was in denial for a long time,” he confessed. “I ended up having to go on insulin.”

In addition, Fireall began experiencing strange symptoms including night sweats, a racing heartbeat and shortness of breath. He ended up in the emergency room.

His heart continued to weaken to the point where his cardiologist gave him six months to live. The doctor recommended that Fireall go to Emory University’s Heart Transplant Program in Atlanta to be considered as a candidate for a heart transplant.

“I was scared out of my wits,” he admitted. “I was trying to be strong and be faithful.”

While under consideration for a heart transplant earlier this year, Fireall suffered a stroke that impaired the vision in his right eye. Although he is legally blind in his left eye due to damage from diabetes, he still paints regularly at his home studio in Daffin Heights, wearing special magnification goggles to make the most of his limited vision.

“My colors were always vibrant before,” he said, “but now they’re even brighter because I can see them better that way. I’m thankful I can still paint.”

Fireall walks outdoors every day, eats a low-sodium diet and follows doctors’ orders faithfully. He is still waiting to find out whether his kidneys are strong enough to survive the transplant and the anti-rejection medication.

“I’m hopeful I’ll be able to have the transplant,” he said. “The doctors were pleased with what they saw at my last check-up.”

A former women’s clothing designer, Fireall has worked as a full-time artist for nearly 35 years. He has five children — Marque, Gabriella, Olivia, Cassandra and Aaliyah — and is committed to raising his two teenage daughters.

“My biggest wish is to be here to do what’s right for my daughters and to finish my paintings,” he said. “I refuse to sit around and give in to gloom and doom. I have bigger fish to fry.”

Rising talent

Born in Savannah in 1954, Fireall developed a passion for art at a young age.

“My mother bought me a paint-by-numbers set,” he recalled. “I started using the leftover paint to create my own paintings.”

His fourth-grade teacher at the Anderson Street School recognized his talent and encouraged him to keep drawing and painting.

In the seventh grade, Fireall was invited to study art at the Savannah Art Association on a scholarship and became the organization’s first African-American student. He expected to be treated like an outcast on the first day, but was pleasantly surprised when a fellow student complimented his work as being “exquisite.”

He enjoyed his first solo exhibit at Savannah State University while still in high school and went on to win numerous art prizes. In 1988, he became one of the first artists to set up a studio in City Market, attracting legions of fans.

In his paintings, Fireall focuses on local storefronts and neighborhoods as well as colorful characters like Gullah brides, musicians playing the guitar, men playing checkers and women in polka dotted hats lining church pews.

“I realized people are buying romance,” he said. “As an artist, you have to have a story to tell. I paint pictures of things people can relate to, like old ladies feeding chickens, hanging clothes on the line or going to church.”

Financial challenges

Today, Fireall admits he isn’t as vigorous as he used to be, due to his worsening heart condition.

“I get winded at times and take more naps,” he explained. “I definitely sleep a lot more and get tired easier. You have to play the hand that’s been dealt to you.”

“Smiling is part of my therapy,” he said. “You have to learn how to laugh at yourself.”

A group of supporters has joined forces to raise money to help Fireall get through this challenging time. Although most of his medical expenses are covered by Medicaid, he has difficulty paying his bills because he can’t create the volume of paintings he could before his health declined.

Over the years, Fireall survived two near-fatal car accidents and numerous health challenges. These brushes with death gave him focus, strengthened his faith and inspired him to persevere with his art.

“I knew I was being kept here for a reason,” he explained. “I try to use art as a teaching tool and to help preserve the Gullah tradition.”

HOW TO HELP

The Friends of Allen Fireall have launched a FundRazr account to help Savannah artist Allen Fireall, who suffers from congestive heart failure and needs a heart transplant. The fund is designed to help offset his expenses and to develop a commemorative calendar of his work. To donate, visit http://fnd.us/c/2NLKd.